GKN Aerospace has been selected as a supplier on Gulfstream’s new Gulfstream G800 and Gulfstream G400 business jets. GKN Aerospace is using its ‘world-leading capability’ in design and manufacture of business jet empennages (tail assemblies) and aerostructures on these aircraft.

The rudder and elevators from the empennage, in addition to the floorboards, will all feature the latest thermoplastic technology. GKN Aerospace also produces the metal bonded fuselage panels for the body of the new G800 aircraft, as well as the aluminium machined wing skins for the G400.

A team of experts from GKN Aerospace has joined the Gulfstream engineering team in the design process. Production will ultimately take place in facilities in Papendrecht and Hoogeveen (the Netherlands), Chihuahua (Mexico), and Wellington (the USA).

This agreement is a continuation of the long-term business relationship between Gulfstream and GKN Aerospace. GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business began participating in Gulfstream’s business jet programmes in 1993. Over that time, GKN Aerospace has built a market-leading position in business jet empennages as proven in the design and manufacture of empennages for many Gulfstream large and ultra-large cabin aircraft, as well as for other business jet customers.

GKN Aerospace’s current involvement in Gulfstream business jets include the empennages on G650 and G700, fuselage panels on G650 and G700, floorboards on G650 and G700, rudders on G500 and G600 and wing skins on G500 and G600.

John Pritchard, GKN Aerospace’s president, Civil Airframe, said: “We are excited to be selected again as a key supplier on Gulfstream’s next-generation of business jets and we truly value this partnership of almost 30 years. Our advanced lightweight thermoplastic technology offers a sustainable solution for aircraft structural components. Together with Gulfstream, we look forward to continuing to shape the future of flight.”